Illegal downloaders face porn blackmail virus

Users of pirated pornographic computer games in Japan are being targeted by a 'blackmail virus' that publishes the internet browsing history of its victim before demanding a credit card payment for its removal.

The virus, called Kenzero, was described by internet security expert Rik Ferguson on his CounterMeasures blog. Ferguson says the malware poses as a copyright-busting computer game based on pornographic anime called 'hentai'.

According to the BBC, the explicit computer game is found on the filesharing site Winni. After the user has downloaded the game, he is presented with what looks like an installation screen, which requests personal details such as date of birth, salary level, phone number and postal address.

Ferguson explains that in the meantime, the Trojan gathers potentially embarrassing data such as web browsing history, internet bookmarks and screen shots.

The information is then published online before an email is sent demanding ¥1,500 (£10) for its removal. The email says the ransom is "to settle your violation of copyright law".

Although it sounds remarkably like someone in the creative industries is purposefully targeting illegal filesharers, Ferguson told the BBC "an established criminal gang" is responsible.

He points to another example of "ransomware" aimed at Europeans which ransacks the victim's computer before claiming to have found pirated material and demanding settlement of $400.

Ferguson says: "If you find you are getting pop-ups demanding payments to settle copyright infringement lawsuits, ignore them and use a free online anti-malware scanner immediately." He also suggests buying legal copies of any software you need. ·